Clinical meaning
Rhonchi are low-pitched, continuous, snoring or gurgling adventitious breath sounds produced by airflow turbulence through large airways (trachea, bronchi) that are partially obstructed by thick secretions, mucosal swelling, or foreign material. Unlike wheezing, which originates from narrowed smaller airways and produces a high-pitched musical tone, rhonchi arise from vibration of secretions and airway walls in the larger conducting airways. Mechanism of Sound Production: - Thick mucus or inflammatory exudate partially occludes the lumen of large airways. - As air passes through the narrowed, secretion-filled passage, it creates turbulent flow that vibrates the mucus and surrounding airway walls. - The result is a low-pitched, rumbling, sonorous sound often described as snoring or moaning. - Rhonchi are heard during both inspiration and expiration, but are typically louder on expiration because expiratory airflow further compresses the airways. Key Differentiating Features: - Rhonchi vs. Wheezing: Rhonchi are low-pitched and coarse; wheezes are high-pitched and musical. Rhonchi originate in large airways; wheezes originate in smaller, narrowed airways. - Rhonchi vs. Crackles: Rhonchi are continuous sounds (lasting >250 milliseconds); crackles are discontinuous, brief popping sounds caused...